Dive into a 2-hour masterclass at Summerhall Distillery in Edinburgh, crafting three gin cocktails paired with six Scottish farmhouse cheeses. Discover the artistry and history behind these local favorites in an intimate, expert-led setting.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
No physical exertion required; suitable for all fitness levels
Wildlife
History
Summerhall Distillery operates within a renovated historic building once serving as a veterinary college, adding cultural depth to the tasting experience.
Conservation
The distillery emphasizes sustainable practices in spirit production and partners with local suppliers to support regional agriculture and reduce environmental impact.
Summerhall Distillery
Dive into a 2-hour masterclass at Summerhall Distillery in Edinburgh, crafting three gin cocktails paired with six Scottish farmhouse cheeses. Discover the artistry and history behind these local favorites in an intimate, expert-led setting.
Summerhall Distillery is an independent distillery and visitor experience based in Edinburgh, Scotland. The distillery offers a range of guided tours, tastings and masterclasses that showcase small-batch gins, whiskies and cocktail craft. Visitors can join intimate whisky tastings that highlight Scotland’s flavours and folklore, explore the history and production of Pickering’s Gin, or attend hands-on cocktail masterclasses held in a historic distillery setting.
Experiences include themed events such as a Roaring 20s speakeasy evening, a Scottish tapas-style food and whisky pairing, a guided distillery tour with a complimentary G&T, and educational sessions on hand-bottling and spirit-making. The venue partners with local producers for curated food pairings—smoked salmon, cured meats and farmhouse cheeses feature in specific tasting menus—while expert hosts explain flavour profiles, production methods and cultural context.
Summerhall Distillery emphasizes small-batch production and craft techniques. Guests often taste multiple expressions, take home miniature bottles from guided tastings, and leave with practical mixology skills after masterclasses. Tours and events are led by trained guides and mixologists who combine storytelling with technical demonstrations, creating an engaging experience for both visitors and members. The distillery’s programme includes private member welcome tours that offer a personalised look at spirit craftsmanship. Summerhall Distillery provides accessible booking for each listed experience, making it a reliable choice for visitors seeking authentic Scottish spirits and expert-led tasting events.
Many experiences include storytelling, practical distillation demonstrations during tours, tasting notes and sometimes a miniature bottle to take home, helping guests remember production details and tasting impressions after the visit.
Location
Edinburgh, Scotland
City-centre distillery access
Tours Offered
7
Guided tastings and masterclasses
Guided Hosts
Expert hosts
Trained guides and mixologists
Small-batch Spirits
Small-batch gins & whiskies
Hand-bottling demonstrations featured
Secure a spot for a tasting, masterclass or private tour at Summerhall Distillery — limited capacity on themed nights and hands-on sessions.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive 5–10 minutes before the class starts to ensure a smooth check-in and full participation.
Notify Allergies in Advance
Inform the distillery ahead of time if you have gluten or dairy allergies to receive suitable accommodations like gluten-free crackers.
No Accessibility for Wheelchairs
Access to the tasting room requires climbing stairs with no alternative entrance, so plan accordingly if mobility is a concern.
Age Restrictions Apply
Guests must be 18 or older; no children or infants are permitted due to the nature of the distillery environment.
Comfortable Clothing
Wear smart casual clothes for a relaxed but refined tasting environment.
Valid Photo ID
Bring ID to verify age since participation requires guests to be 18 or older.
Allergy Information
Have any allergy details handy to inform staff upon booking or arrival.
Notepad & Pen
Optional for jotting down cocktail recipes and tasting notes.